Definition: For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this really important passage from Matthew 5:18. It’s a bit poetic, but it speaks to our relationship with God and living a life that honors Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that obedience to God's laws and principles is absolutely essential for eternal life. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about living according to God’s will. Let's unpack the parts: “For verily I say unto you…” – This is a dramatic way of saying "it is true," “it is very important,” or “this is crucial.” It’s emphasizing something significant. “…Till heaven and earth pass…” – This is a really powerful image. "Heaven and earth" represent everything – our lives, our world, everything that exists. "Pass" means to end or be completely gone. So, this part of the verse suggests it’s forever . It's not just about something temporary; it's lasting eternally. “…one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law…” – This is where it gets more specific. "Jot" and "tittle" are very small, insignificant things – like a single letter or tiny piece of something. The verse means that anyone who doesn’t follow God's laws will eventually be lost or separated from Him forever. It's about being completely disconnected. “…till all be fulfilled.” - This is the key part! It promises that all of God’s commandments and principles – everything – will ultimately come to fruition. It means that our lives will end with a complete and satisfying relationship with God, and no one will ever be left behind. In simpler terms: Think of it like this: You're given a set of rules (the law) to live by. If you don’t follow those rules, you’ll eventually fall short and end up lost. But, if you do follow them diligently, you’ll ultimately be reunited with God and have a perfect, eternal life. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Live a righteous life: It's about doing what's right, not just what seems easy or convenient. Be patient: It says it will happen eventually. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks! Focus on the bigger picture: It’s not about getting perfect; it's about striving to live a life that honors God and shows His love. Resources if you want to dig deeper: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV/Matthew%205%2018](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV/Matthew%205%2018) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-5-18.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-5-18.html) --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to another Bible verse?